Dialogue: Prosperity for the future firmly in our own hands

ADALEEN GRIFFITH* says that while governments can play a part, each of us has the ability, and responsibility, to create a successful future.

When talking about the situation of New Zealand I have been hearing a lot of moaning and groaning. I have been seeing people pointing the finger all over the place, blaming the Government and its policies, high tax rates, the economic growth rate, the low value of our dollar, the price of petrol, and so on.

The answer is nothing so complicated. If we want life to be better, the first thing we need to do is take some responsibility. By this I mean not blaming anyone, including ourselves, but just accepting that we have the power to change things and getting on with it.

The economic situation is only the product of the seeds we have sown over the years. And a number of different governments representing the people of New Zealand, with various policies, have contributed to this. Other countries have had considerably different results. This is because, as countries, they planned for it, from the top person in government down through the business fraternity to the individual taxpayers and citizens.

I am the mother of three small children and I am successfully running and building a small business with 10 employees. We have seen tough times and hardships in the marketplace over the past seven years since opening for business, and I'm sure we will see some more.

But we don't sit around complaining and looking for someone else to fix things for us. We accept the personal responsibility to solve these problems for ourselves.

The Government and its performance is only a reflection of the people. If we want to abdicate our responsibilities and let someone else decide whether we are profitable or not, the chances are we will not do very well. We all, individually, have the ability to create our own successful future. We need to realise this and be willing to do what it takes to make it happen.

Once we accept that the responsibility belongs to every one of us as citizens, the next thing we need to do is decide exactly what we want. Of course, on the individual level, we each choose for ourselves.

For the country, I would like to see this Government show some leadership and create a long-term vision for New Zealand. I have seen government after government plan for their term in power and that's it. It seems they plan only for their re-election. Every successful businessperson knows the value of a long-term vision. And for the country I don't mean a five to 10-year plan. I mean a 100-year outlook - minimum.

People need a bright view of the future to see that getting up and getting out there is worthwhile. True power is when individuals work together toward a common goal.

At the moment we lack a respect for ourselves as a nation, and respect for ourselves as individuals. Contempt for the system and the laws this country has made for itself is shown in the number of people who break the 50 km/h speed limit or run red lights.

It's no wonder our youth are growing up without the values that promote a healthy, productive society. We need to get back on track by making laws and plans that make sense and abide by them. We each need to honour our agreements and commitments. That includes governments and politicians (a novel idea).

And once we have taken responsibility and decided what we want, all we have to do is to get out there and do something. If we are not happy with what the Government is up to, we can find a solution to the problems. If we demonstrate it works, I'm sure people will be quick to jump on the idea and benefit from it, too.

Our business has been experiencing growth in a market that has negative growth rates. This is because we take full responsibility for our results. We have a long-term vision as well as short-term strategies and plans. And we take action. We push ourselves to brainstorm, research, learn and innovate to find a way to get through these times.

We are finding solutions - solutions for our customers, for our internal business systems and to make sales in our sluggish marketplace. We are doing it for ourselves, just one small step at a time.

Sure, we make mistakes. But we learn from them and get back on the horse and ride a bit better.

And when people see our success they ask themselves: "How are they doing it?" If nothing else, they realise it is possible to be successful in this market. And at best they find a solution for themselves.

Tax incentives are a great way to get small businesses motivated. There's nothing like a tax saving to get us on side. We are seeing promotions for superannuation and personal savings plans. Yet if I want to help one of my employees by contributing company funds to a super plan, the tax rate will be fringe benefit tax of 49 per cent, as opposed to their 24 per cent personal tax rate. Why would we do that?

We need to show good, logical reasons and benefits for each person to do the right thing.

The Government's main role once it has developed a vision is to administer and provide controls for the infrastructure of the country; to make sure our laws and incentives are congruent with our long-term aims; to make it as easy as possible for people to get to work putting things right.

All we need to do is start with small steps, perhaps as easy as picking up some rubbish and putting it in a bin. As soon as the population decides to get behind something, it happens. Look at the America's Cup. It only takes a bit of Kiwi ingenuity to get the answers and we'll be back on track.

We can create a land of milk and honey. We've done it before I believe we can do it again.

* Adaleen Griffith is managing director of Jagas Concrete, a Pacific Island family business in Otara which won this year's Best Small Business of the Year award in the WestpacTrust Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

TOMORROW: Telecom chief executive Theresa Gattung.